Taiwanese diplomat praises U.S. as ‘natural ally’

Washington,--Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Stanley Kao (???) has called the United States a "natural partner and ally" of Taipei and said the bilateral Taiwan-U.S. relationship will help boost long-term ties.

Kao made the remarks in a speech at the traditional annual Lunar New Year parade in Chinatown, Washington D.C. on Sunday.

The diplomat praised the long-term friendship of the U.S. and Taiwan, saying the relationship was based on mutually-shared values, including human rights, democracy, and freedom of the press, religion and assembly.

The two sides also share common interests in trade, culture, education, tourism, sport and technology, Kao added, noting that the U.S. and Taiwan are natural partners and allies and that bilateral cooperation between them will ensure the relationship continues to thrive.

The Chinatown parade was attended by Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, influential American politicians, community leaders and crowds of Washington D.C. residents and visitors, with traditional dragon and lion dancing to celebrate the Chinese New Year.